Standard German originated not as a traditional dialect of a specific region, but as a written language.

Learn German – the most spoken language in Europe

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

It is a great time to learn German – the most spoken language in Europe, with Learning German Language. With vacation prices at an all time low, this is a perfect time to tour the continent. Since German is spoken in Switzerland and Lichtenstein in addition to Germany, learning the German language is the perfect choice for honing your foreign language skills.

Germany is a vibrant country full of awe inspiring sights and tourist attractions. Berlin, the capital of Germany, is full of history, sights, and great night life. While you are there, visit the Berlin wall, one of the most powerful relics of the Cold War. In addition to seeing the wall itself, there is now a Berlin Wall Museum where you can view examples of the German graffiti that covered the wall and learn about the history of the blockade, East and West Germany, and the tensions between the West and the Soviet Union.

The Brandenburg Gate, modeled after the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, is another inspiring sight. Visit at night to see the spectacular light display. And while you are out at night in Berlin, be prepared for the vibrant night life. Berlin is known for its parties, and you will find plenty of exciting clubs and discos to keep you up into the early morning.

In Munich, there are many sites to visit including the beautiful Baroque Theatine Church, and the National Theater. From the outside, the theater is a stunning work of ornate architecture. On the inside, you can see the Bavarian State Opera, one of the world’s best. However, no visit to Munich would be complete without taking in Oktoberfest. The huge beer festival takes place during the last week of September and first week of October. Sample a wide range of German beers and food in huge tents set up by the different breweries. It’s a great opportunity to experience the German culture and to practice your new German language skills!

Finally, Frankfurt offers a cosmopolitan German experience. It is home to zoos, museums, and public gardens. The skyline is one of the most distinctive in Europe, dominated by glass clad skyscrapers with tall spires. While there, visit the Gothic fourteenth century St Bartholomeus’ Cathedral. It was destroyed in World War II and painstakingly rebuilt to all its former glory. You will find most of the old castles and churches looking as they did 500 or more years ago, with additional benefits. They now have modern conveniences, such as running water and central heating.

In addition to your time as a tourist, your German skills will be useful in business. Germany is an economic powerhouse and center of European scientific achievement. With the many opportunities available to you, learning German language is the perfect intellectual investment.

Reform of 1996 and beyondThe German spelling reform of 1996 led to public controversy and considerable dispute. Some state parliaments (Bundesländer) would not accept it (North Rhine Westphalia and Bavaria). The dispute landed at one point in the highest court, which made a short issue of it, claiming that the states had to decide for themselves and that only in schools could the reform be made the official rule—everybody else could continue writing as they had learned it. Read More...